Architecture firm ShedKM has created the Lighthouse Church building locked in Merseyside, UK and it can be accessed from two parallel streets. Additionally, the space is defined by its clear facade that is purposefully created to form a glow when it is dark. It was created to replace what stood there which was an existing church and parish hall with poor accessibility. The main goal was to appeal to a wider community in the area and so the studio worked with the congregation and local community groups for ideation.
ShedKM shares with Dezeen, "We took the decision to be bold and to develop a proposal that moved away from the traditional arrangements and to support the envisioned future growth of the church. The congregation were already providing a wide range of services throughout the week, but many local residents weren't aware of this work, despite the church's prominent position at the heart of the high street, because of the poor relationship of the old buildings to the streets. The new building was designed to enhance community visibility and engagement with a transparent, welcoming front that encourages interaction and participation from the wider community."
Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings
ShedKM Designs the Lighthouse Church in Marseyside
Trend Themes
1. Community-engaging Architecture - Modern architecture focuses on creating buildings that foster community interaction and engagement through design elements like transparent facades.
2. Accessibility-driven Design - Innovative architectural designs prioritize accessibility to ensure buildings are inclusive and welcoming to a larger demographic.
3. Adaptive Reuse of Religious Spaces - Transforming traditional churches into multifunctional community hubs reflects a trend towards optimizing underutilized spaces for broader community purposes.
Industry Implications
1. Architectural Design - Firms are increasingly focusing on creating versatile and engaging spaces that serve diverse community needs through innovative designs.
2. Urban Development - Urban developers are leveraging the potential of architecture to enhance community interactions and accessibility through thoughtfully designed public spaces.
3. Religious Services and Community Outreach - Religious organizations are transforming their physical spaces to better serve and engage with their surrounding communities by incorporating modern design concepts.